Warning after speeding driver high on drink and drugs kills Derbyshire grandad

Police have released this picture showing the devastation caused to Mitchell's BMW.

Michael Broomhead

A grandfather was killed by a speeding driver who was high on drink and drugs, an inquest heard.

Alan Dexter, 47, of Northfield Avenue, Pleasley Vale, died after a BMW being driven by Teresa Mitchell crashed into his motorbike on Debdale Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, just before Christmas last year.

An inquest at Nottingham coroners’ court concluded that Mitchell was twice over the drink drive limit, had taken drugs and was travelling in excess of 80mph in a 40mph zone.

Her car collided with Mr Dexter, who was riding his motorcycle in the opposite direction.

Mitchell, 38, of Birks Road, Mansfield, and her passenger, 24-year-old Ricky Goodall, of Sutton, who was not wearing a seatbelt, also died in the smash.

Mr Dexter’s son Jonathan made an impassioned plea in the court for people not to drink and drive.

He said: “I’ve lost my father, a good man, as a result of this crash.

“It is totally unacceptable to be drinking alcohol and then driving.

“Please don’t do it – don’t leave another family in this situation.”

Experienced crash investigator Detective Sergeant James Greely, of Nottinghamshire police, said the scene of the smash was one of the worst he had ever seen.

He added: “It was utter devastation – caused by the dangerous and illegal driving of Mitchell.

“I can’t say it clearly enough – do not take drugs, do not drink alcohol if you are planning to drive and always wear your seatbelt.

“It could save your life and save you from the devastation that is being faced daily by the families of those involved in this crash.” Coroner Máirín Casey said Mitchell’s driving was “inherently dangerous” and ruled that Mr Dexter was unlawfully killed.